Question

Is $2\mathrm{Na}+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\to 2\mathrm{NaOH}+{\mathrm{H}}_2$ a redox reaction?

Answer 1

Redox reaction

• Redox reactions are reactions in which one species is reduced and another is oxidized.
• Therefore, the oxidation state of the species involved must change.

In the given reaction

$2\mathrm{Na}+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\to 2\mathrm{NaOH}+{\mathrm{H}}_2$

Oxidation

• Sodium is oxidized as Oxygen is added to the sodium to form Sodium oxide.
• The oxidation state of Sodium is also change from 0 to +2.

Reduction

• Reduction takes place on water, Oxygen is removed from the water and Hydrogen gas is evolved.
• The oxidation state of Hydrogen atom in water is reduced from +1 to 0.

Hence, it is a redox reaction.